X Country individuals race

This week the Rarotonga X Country series strides off with its first individual-format race at 5pm from Takitumu Primary in Matavera.

Registration again opens at 4.30pm, followed by a race briefing at 4.45pm.

Those in the open men category are to run 5km, the open women to run 4km, masters men, novice men and junior boys 18 and under to run 3km, masters women, novice women, junior girls 18 and under, and youth 16 and under to run 2km. Finally, the youth 14 and under category will run just over a kilometre.

After a fun, familiarising relay event last week that saw 16 runners check out the course, it will be interesting to see the talent pool emerge this season.

Organisers are hopeful that a few more runners will join in as the series unfolds, as this year a novice category has been designed for the recreational runner wanting to join in on the fun either as a fitness goal or merely to take on the challenge of just running with a crowd.

There is a $1 entry fee for youth 16 years and under, and a $2 entry fee for all others.

The series will also be used as a talent identification opportunity in seeking two young runners who show potential in the sport in representation for a funded Oceania Cross Country event in Queensland Australia at the conclusion of the series.